Salem 79 Exceptional
Salem Livability #57 ranked city in Oregon#1,719 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Salem

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

New Real Estate Listings in Salem Area
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What's it like Living in Salem?

Salem, Oregon is a moderately-sized city with a population of 171,806 people. With a population density of 3,519 people per square mile, Salem is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 79% of Salem residents are White, 3% Asian and 1% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Salem, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.

Are you trying to decide if living in Salem is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before moving to any new city in Oregon, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Salem and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Salem to Oregon and the national average.

Salem has a livability score of 79 out of 100 and is ranked #55 in Oregon and #1,575 in the USA. Based on this score, Salem would be considered a very livable city! Salem also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Salem has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Salem, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F).

Salem has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Salem has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: A.C. Gilbert's Discovery Village, Oregon State Capitol, and Riverfront Carousel.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Salem market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Salem real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Salem. Median real estate prices in Salem come in at $266,200, which is 7.7% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Salem, the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 2.2% lower than the Oregon average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Salem

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Salem?

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Compare Salem, OR Livability

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      Salem transportation information

      Statistic Salem Oregon National
      Average one way commute23min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work73.4%71.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.4%10.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.4%4.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.5%2.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%3.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.9%6.4%4.6%
      Source: The Salem, OR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).